Punting along

"Punting" is the term used to describe the rather archaeic, but somehow fun, Cambridge activity of boating on the river Cam with a long pole. Think gondolas in Venice or bamboo rafting in China. With so many brilliant people here, you'd think they would devise a better way to scoot along the river... but I suppose that's part of its charm. We did it yesterday, along with a red bus tour that provided some useless facts about the town, but some nice views.

The night finished with another big party to put an end to "Freshers Week." Well-timed indeed, because I think one more night would have completely done me in. From salsa to clubbing to pubbing, I have probably gone out more in the past week than in an average 2 or even 3 weeks in Tokyo. But along the way, I've met some people who I think will become good friends in a bit more time, and finally even some cool girls!

Scary British things in the upcoming week include presenting on conceptualizations of East Asia at a seminar class on Thursday and attending a formal "matriculation dinner" on Wednesday, which involves wearing a robe and using the correct fork during my meal. It only makes me think of Harry Potter, to be honest.

More fun things off the campus include a visit to Paris in 2 weekends!